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(Introduction of Article)
Whenever people ask what
subject I teach, I always
tell them that I am a
shop teacher. I have
always enjoyed making
things with my hands. I derive great
satisfaction from completing a project
that results in a functional object. I am
proud to say that I have taught many
children how to work with their hands
in many different shop areas. I think
that what I enjoy most about what I do
is that it is real-it is what it is. I am
not pretending to make something or
making a model of something. I am
making something real, like a clay vessel
to hold flowers (something our art
teacher introduced me to recently) or a
shelf to store my books. These things
are real and it feels great. That's why I
strive to provide my students with the
same experience.
"But I'm not a shop teacher!"
If you are still reading, you may be
thinking, "How does this apply to
me?" There are many opportunities in
academic areas to add realism and
accomplish your objectives. Students in
an English class could write letters to
the editor or offer their services to a
local business to write advertising copy
for a persuasive writing piece. Social
studies assignments could involve students
in local politics. Opportunities
to keep it real abound in the sciences
as well.
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